Top Society & Culture Podcasts

Stories from the Stage showcases ordinary people sharing extraordinary stories, spotlighting diverse tellers who share moments — from the everyday to the life-altering — that celebrate the similarities and differences that unite us. Stories from the Stage is hosted by Liz Cheng and Patricia Alvarado Núñez, executive producers and co-creators of the series. A two-time Signal Awards finalist.

For more information on our series, live events and how to submit a story, visit worldchannel.org/stories.

Seeking to separate fact from fiction, the multi award-winning series returns to investigate the divisive story of Shamima Begum.

When three London school girls went missing in 2015, they generated global headlines and the media storm that ensued continues to this day. Back then, investigative journalist Josh Baker was filming at a mosque in the girls' neighbourhood as their families came to seek help; their daughters were on the way to Syria to join the Islamic State group. But it was too late, and they disappeared inside the so-called caliphate.

For four years, their fate remained a mystery - with only occasional glimpses and sometimes conflicting reports of what they were doing with the terror group being made public. Only one of the girls emerged from the ashes of the so called caliphate - Shamima Begum.

The new series will take listeners inside Josh's attempts to figure out what really happened, unearthing new information about one of the most talked about stories of our time. He travels from Bethnal Green in East London to the depths of what was ISIS controlled Syria as he challenges Shamima Begum and investigates if the story she tells is true.

Series One - 'I'm Not A Monster: from BBC Panorama & FRONTLINE PBS'

The first series of I'm Not A Monster told the story of Sam Sally, an American mother who left behind a comfortable life and travelled to the heart of what the Islamic State group called its caliphate with her family. Her husband became an IS sniper and her 10 year-old son was forced to appear in an infamous propaganda video threatening President Trump. It's the BBC's most awarded podcast series to date, having received 16 nominations, winning 11 awards in 10 different international programme competitions including the Rose d 'Or for Best Audio series, three Golds and the Grand Jury Prize at the New York Festivals Radio Awards and Best Documentary Series at the Webbys and the inaugural Podcast Academy Awards (the Ambies) in 2021.

The best of all possible podcasts, Leibniz would say. Putting big ideas in dialogue with the everyday, Overthink offers accessible and fresh takes on philosophy from enthusiastic experts. Hosted by professors Ellie Anderson (Pomona College) and David M. Peña-Guzmán (San Francisco State University).

Comedian Flame Monroe is on a mission to make everyone Laugh And Learn! Flame Monroe, a knowledgeable and expert comedian has the ability to find the good in all things with a clever way of making you laugh about it. Having recently released a thirty-minute standup comedy special, Monroe has found much popularity since the support of Comedian and Actress, Tiffany Haddish having hand-picked Monroe to perform for NetFlix’s Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready. And ever since, Monroe has all intent purpose to continue sharing her voice, but this time in a new way. Yes, you guessed it! A podcast. Embarking on a new partnership with The Black Effect Podcast Network and Executive Produced by Tiffany Haddish, ‘Laugh & Learn’ Podcast allows Comedian Flame Monroe to deliver teachable moments, thought provoking perspectives and a satisfying dose of fun and intellect to listeners every week. Listeners will get the pleasure of joining Flame and his/her team of correspondents, affectionately known as "Flamettes,". Allowing fans a moment to share genuine perspectives as the hosts discuss the latest in headline and local news, politics and pop culture. Through humor, wit, and heartfelt conversations, Flame Monroe aim to bring content that will entertain, enlighten, encourage self-confidence and bring an amusing joy full of laughter and inspiration influenced by the art of learning.

TMI is the dynamic, new video-taped podcast featuring activists Tamika D. Mallory and Mysonne, the General. Their show takes an uninhibited look at the social and civil rights issues, pop-culture and politics. Together, they underscore the importance of social activism, awareness, knowing your rights and having a voice. They want you to know that being in service to one’s community isn’t old school; it’s real, it’s happening and its needed now more than ever. Their aim is to push our culture forward so that together, we can make the world a better place right now…and for generations to come.